Seven Scenic Walks In Kildare

Beautiful Kildare has some of the most stunning trails in the country, with ancient relics and archaeological sites dotted throughout the county.

If you’re looking to dust off the cobwebs and get out into some fresh air this weekend, why not tick some of these stunning Kildare walks off your list!

Get the heart rate up while exploring what’s right on your doorstep! Beautiful Kildare has some of the most stunning trails in the country, with ancient relics and archaeological sites dotted throughout the county, and with these seven walks you won’t be stuck for some weekend activity!

Killinthomas Woods

Just a five-minute drive from Rathangan Village lies the beautiful and relatively undiscovered Killinthomas Woods. Filled with bluebells in the spring and and orange floor of foliage in the autumn, there are options for both short and long walks, all starting and ending in the carpark.

There are signposts dotted all over the trails, making this 10km walk easy to navigate for visitors. Walkers can enjoy the diverse ecosystem of the wood, with a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Donadea Forest Park

Located just over 30-minutes outside of Kildare Town lies the Donadea Forest Park. With three seperate walking trails, all ranging from 1km to 6km, there is something to suit all ages here.

For a short afternoon stroll, follow the Lake Walk, which loops around waterlily-filled lake and takes no more than half an hour. The Nature Trail is just under 2km, which winds its way through some of the dramatic architecture of the estate. For more ambitious walkers, the Aylmer Walk is a 6km Slí na Slainte trail which brings walkers all around the park.

The Barrow Way

Enjoy a weekend stroll along the banks of one of Ireland’s most historical rivers, the River Barrow. With something of interest at every turn on this 200-year-old towpath, this river is the perfect companion for anyone walking or cycling along the Barrow Way.

Experience the flora and fauna dotted along its banks, the lovely locks and stunning old lock-keepers cottages.

An audio guide is available with over two hours worth of listening, filled with stories and information on ancient kings of Leinster, the Devil’s eyebrow, the miniature cathedral of St Laserian and more.

The Royal Canal Way

A similar route to the Barrow Way, this scenic linear walk is great for those who want to grab a coffee and just keep walking. Walking as far as you like, you can then easily hop on public transport to take you back to your starting point.

There are a number of significant examples of late-eighteenth century industrial archaeology to admire along the way, including the Ryewater Aquaduct which takes the canal high over the Rye river, and which took six years to build.

Athy Slí

Admire the beautiful foliage on an easy-breezy Sunday stroll along the Athy Slí. Starting from the courthouse (built in 1857) by the River Barrow, this 2.5km walk runs side-by-side the river, up the Barrow Path, passing St Michael’s Church of Ireland, under the Horse Bridge and Railway Bridge, and along the Canal Path.

This circular route can be walked in either direction and is great for walking furry friends, pushing strollers, or simply to get out for 30-minutes to enjoy the February sunshine.

The Kildare Monastic Trail

Nestled in Ireland’s Ancient East is the County Kildare Monastic Trail, the heart of Christianity origins in Ireland.

This beautiful trail combines both the best of Ireland’s nature as well as its unique ancient history. Stretching from Castledermot to Oughterard near Straffan, this 92km trail will lead you to atmospheric ruins of age-old monasteries, relic round towers and time-worn rustic high crosses.

A free audio guide can be downloaded to help you delve deeper into the ancient monastic history of Ireland, as you weave your way through monastic sites like Castledermot Monastery and Friary, Old Kilkullen, Clane, St. Brigid’s Cathedral and Oughterard Round Tower.